Endangered or Threatened Florida Sea Turtles

Classified as an Endangered Species, (ESA) in 1970,

the Hawksbill Turtle is frequently seen

in Southwestern Florida Coastal areas.

But, this smallish Sea Turtle is running out of food,

which consists primarily of the sponges found

in their preferred habitat, coral reefs,

both of which are rapidly declining.

These declines combined with the enormous appeal

of their shells in the designer fashion market,

leaves the survival status of this turtle in doubt.

Hawksbills are not protected world wide, so the

U.S. has no jurisdiction over what other countries

may do or not to protect endangered Sea Turtles.

In the Caribbean, they are simply a commodity

to be exchanged.

Places to learn more:

National Park Service

Hawksbill

NOAA

Hawksbill Information

Hawksbill Photos

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